NASSAU, Bahamas, Sept. 9, 2022 – In the wake of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Office of the Governor General ordered that the Book of Condolences be opened on today (Friday, Sept. 9) in the foyer of the Senate building.
Prime Minister Hon. Philip E. Davis, KC, MP, signed the book immediately after His Excellency Governor General, the Most Hon. Sir Cornelius A. Smith, GCMG, ON.
Prime Minister Davis wrote, “If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. You lived a life of service as admired by the Lord. A service that inspired unity for our world. You served as promised; your rest is well deserved. The world is a better place because of your reign. Rest in Peace”
British High Commissioner to The Bahamas, Thomas Hartley, also attended this morning’s book signing.
In a statement on released on Thursday, Prime Minister Davis said: “It is with deep regret and sadness that we learned of the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of the government and people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, we offer our sincere condolences to the members of the royal family. I have ordered that the national flag be lowered today to half-staff and to be lowered again when the official mourning period comes into effect.”
Yahoo News noted in an article on Facebook on Thursday that the “relationship between Britain and the Caribbean islands is a long and complicated one.”
The Yahoo News article added: “Trinidad and Barbados formally severed ties to become republics. Other islands such as Jamaica, St. Lucia and The Bahamas are independent but remain part of the British Commonwealth. That means their head of state is now King Charles III.
“Other Commonwealth nations outside of the Caribbean include India, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. And that’s only a tiny fraction, as Britain conquered much of the world.
“The crown’s role in perpetuating colonialism aside, leaders across the Caribbean followed protocol and extended condolences to the royal family. Because the Queen ruled for seven decades, there are very few people living in Commonwealth nations who can recall life before her. For some, moving forward in the Queen’s absence is like having a rug pulled out from under them.”
